Fudge was in high spirits lately—and not because the real culprit had been found, or because Sirius Black's name had been cleared. No, his good mood stemmed from the fact that his Dementors were finally safe! Though the Ministry of Magic only had a cooperative relationship with the Dementors, Fudge saw little difference. As long as he was Minister, they were all practically his employees.
He glanced back at the scene unfolding outside the Forbidden Forest. It was a rare, bright day, unlike the usual gloom. Why did such brutality have to occur on a day like this? Several students in Hogwarts robes were chasing after a group of Dementors, practicing their Patronus Charms. He recognized them; they were almost always around Tom Riddle. And he had to admit, the children were unbelievably talented. Their Patronuses were already taking shape. Even though they weren't fully corporeal yet, being able to reliably produce white mist was remarkable for young wizards.
These children would certainly become outstanding Aurors in the future! Fudge mused, already plotting. Cassandra Volle was Tom's apprentice; he wouldn't dare cross her even if he had a hundred lives. But Harry Potter and his friends were different. Even if they became Death Eaters under Tom Riddle, who said Death Eaters couldn't become Aurors? Oh, is that the Death Eaters infiltrating the Ministry of Magic? Whatever, as long as he was still Minister. Fudge now considered himself an "unofficial honorary member of the Death Eaters," so why should he care about such things? He was counting on currying favor with Tom Riddle to secure his support for re-election.
...
Hogwarts Castle, eighth floor, Headmaster's Office.
Through the window, the Whomping Willow outside had sprouted green leaves. Gilderoy Lockhart had taken good care of it last year; there wasn't a trace of the car accident it had suffered. The Hogwarts professors, minus Remus Lupin, were gathered here, along with the high-ranking Ministry of Magic officials Fudge had brought. They were there for the preliminary discussion of Sirius Black's case. The final verdict would be delivered at the Ministry later. However, the outcome of this so-called discussion was predetermined. Even the officials Fudge had brought knew they were just going through the motions. What a joke! The Dark Lord has spoken; you expect me to contradict him? What good would that do? I'd be dead! Absolutely dead! Not even Merlin could save me!
Tom Riddle placed the wisp of memory extracted from Peter Pettigrew into the Pensieve. Then, he stepped back and sat down. He wasn't particularly interested in participating; he was just doing his servant a small favor. The professors and Ministry officials then examined the contents of the Pensieve. Led by Fudge, the officials berated Peter Pettigrew and decided to revoke the Order of Merlin awarded to him years ago. Albus Dumbledore looked at Fudge with a cryptic smile. The professors, on the other hand, were visibly displeased by Peter Pettigrew's actions.
Severus Snape, however, seemed out of place. He showed no anger, no sadness, only a chilling silence, his eyes somewhat vacant. But Tom Riddle knew Snape wasn't indifferent to what Pettigrew had done, because Snape now knew Pettigrew was also one of Lily Potter's murderers. He believed that if Pettigrew hadn't already been killed, Snape would have gone after him. Tom Riddle glanced at Snape but didn't pay him much more attention, because Fudge had steered the conversation back to himself.
"Lord Tom Riddle has done so much for the wizarding world, both in the past and present," Fudge said, looking deeply moved. "Two years ago, if it weren't for Lord Tom stepping forward, Hogwarts—no! The entire wizarding world might have faced annihilation!" He tactfully didn't mention who Tom Riddle had dealt with back then, knowing that everyone present knew that adversary had the power to threaten the entire wizarding world; he wasn't exaggerating.
"Today, Sir Tom has gone even further, eliminating a threat hidden for over a decade and allowing a hero wronged for all this time to be vindicated!" Having served as Minister for so many years, Fudge's oratory skills were polished, at least on the surface. "Therefore, by the unanimous decision of the Ministry of Magic… we will award Sir Tom Riddle the highest honor! The Order of Merlin, First Class!"
The Order of Merlin, First Class—the only person to have received this medal while still alive was Dumbledore, and he received it for defeating Gellert Grindelwald. All others before had been awarded it posthumously.
As Fudge finished, the high-ranking officials of the Ministry of Magic erupted in enthusiastic applause. "Minister Fudge is absolutely right!"
"Without Sir Tom's great contributions, our Ministry of Magic wouldn't be where it is today!"
"I feel that the mere Order of Merlin is insufficient to honor Sir Tom's achievements!"
Looking at these faces, practically carbon copies of Fudge, the professors were utterly shocked. However, this time Snape, unusually, didn't wear a sour expression; he even joined in the applause. After all, he was nominally Tom Riddle's underling, and he could not let Tom Riddle lose face.
Tom Riddle was amused by Fudge's antics. The Minister hadn't told him about this beforehand, probably intending it as a surprise. He turned to Dumbledore, who noticed his gaze and gave him a knowing smile.
Tom Riddle got up and walked toward the Headmaster's office door. "Just mail the medal to me."
With that, Tom Riddle left. He clearly didn't care much about the Order of Merlin.
This frustrated Fudge, who had planned to schedule a grand award ceremony with Tom Riddle. Of course, his purpose wasn't just flattery. More importantly, he wanted to invite prominent figures from all walks of life in the magical world—especially his rivals. He had intended to bask in their envy and enjoy himself.
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